Autumn 2006

More Tesco.com home grocery deliveries could be made from dedicated sites rather than retail stores in future, following trials of what is termed a "Tesco.com-only" store format, which has been used successfully in Croydon.

The aim, says the company, is to relieve pressure on busy stores, and fill in gaps where coverage is limited. Previously the company did all its home shopping fulfilment from retail stores, and that basic approach is not expected to change. The dedicated sites are seen simply as adding depth to the service.

According to Tesco's interim results for the half-year to August, the dotcom operation's profits rose by 28.7 per cent to £554 million.